Snapchat Emojis Meaning: Friend Emojis, Story Icons and Arrows Explained
- Friend emojis are private to you and describe your friendship from your side only.
- 💛 means mutual #1 best friends, ❤️ two weeks of that, and 💕 two months.
- 😏 means you're one of their best friends but they aren't one of yours, and 😬 means you share the same #1.
- In chat, red means a silent snap, purple a snap with sound and blue a chat. Filled means sent or unopened, and outlined means opened.
- The double-arrow icon means a screenshot was taken.
Snapchat uses small emojis and icons to tell you about your friendships and your snaps without any words. They're handy once you know them, but confusing at first. This guide explains the standard friend emojis, the icons on stories (like the eye and the screenshot symbol), and the arrows and squares you see in your chat list.
Snapchat friend emojis
Friend emojis appear next to a friend's name in your chat list. They're private to you, so your friend doesn't see the same emoji on their side unless the relationship is mutual. They're based on how often you interact, and they change as your habits change.
| Emoji | Default meaning |
|---|---|
| 💛 Yellow heart | You're each other's #1 best friend: you snap each other more than anyone else. |
| ❤️ Red heart | You've been each other's #1 best friend for two weeks in a row. |
| 💕 Pink hearts | You've been each other's #1 best friend for two months in a row. |
| 😊 Smiling face | This person is one of your best friends (but not your #1). |
| 😎 Sunglasses | One of your best friends is also one of their best friends. You share a close friend. |
| 😬 Grimacing face | Your #1 best friend is also their #1 best friend. |
| 😏 Smirking face | You're one of their best friends, but they aren't one of yours. |
| 🔥 Fire | You're on a Snapstreak: you've snapped each other on consecutive days. The number shows how many days. |
| 💯 Hundred | Your Snapstreak has reached 100 days. |
| ⌛ Hourglass | Your Snapstreak is about to end. Send a snap soon to keep it. |
| 👶 Baby | You've only just become friends. |
| 🎂 Birthday cake | It's your friend's birthday, if they've added their birthday. |
| ✨ Sparkles | You're in a group chat together, shown in group contexts. |
Depending on your app version and whether you have Snapchat+, you may be able to change these emojis to different ones in Settings. That means a friend's phone might show different emojis from yours.
Snapstreak tips
A streak requires both of you to send each other a snap (photo or video) at least once roughly every 24 hours. Chat messages don't count. If the hourglass appears, you're close to losing it. If a streak ends because of a bug, Snapchat has offered ways to restore it, either through support or as a paid or Snapchat+ option, depending on the region and time.
Icons on your story
The eye icon and view count
When you look at your own story, an eye icon with a number shows how many people have viewed each snap. Swipe up to see the list of viewers. On public profiles with large audiences, Snapchat shows counts and may not list every viewer.
The screenshot icon
If someone takes a screenshot of your story, a screenshot symbol (two overlapping arrows) appears next to their name in the viewer list. Screen recording is generally flagged in the same way. Read more in our guide on whether Snapchat notifies about screenshots.
Replay and rewatch indicators
Snapchat+ subscribers can see extra information, such as who rewatched their story. Without Snapchat+, you only see who viewed it.
Arrows and squares in your chat list
The small icons next to each conversation tell you the status of your last snap or message. Their colour shows what was sent, and whether the icon is filled or outlined shows whether it was opened.
| Icon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Red filled arrow | You sent a snap without sound (a photo, or a video without audio). |
| Purple filled arrow | You sent a snap with sound. |
| Blue filled arrow | You sent a chat message. |
| Outlined arrow (any colour) | Your snap or chat has been opened. |
| Filled square | You've received a snap or chat you haven't opened yet. Red is a silent snap, purple has sound and blue is a chat. |
| Outlined square | You've opened what they sent. |
| Double arrows | Someone took a screenshot of the snap or chat. |
| Circular arrow | Your snap was replayed. |
| Grey arrow or icon | Pending. The snap may not have been delivered, often because the person hasn't added you back. |
Other symbols you'll see
- Snapchat+ badge: a star-like badge on the profile of someone who subscribes to Snapchat+.
- Planets: Snapchat+ subscribers see a planet showing their rank among a friend's best friends. See Snapchat planets explained.
- Star on a public profile: indicates verified or official accounts for some public figures.
- Bitmoji on the map: friends who share their location on Snap Map.
FAQ
Can my friend see the emoji I have next to their name?
No. Friend emojis are shown only to you, from your point of view. Your friend might see a different emoji next to your name.
Why did my yellow heart disappear?
The ranking changed. Either you or your friend has been snapping someone else more often recently.
Do public creators see friend emojis with fans?
Friend emojis only exist between friends. Subscribers to a public profile don't get friend emojis with the creator unless they are also friends.